fertility over?

[Ginnyii]

I'm a 55 year old woman who hasn't had  a period in two years. Can i stop birth control?

[MarieMichele]

There very well may be a test the doctor can run.  I'm thinking, though, that after 2 years of no period, doc will say what I've been saying.  But I'm not a doctor!

Being post-menopause was a bonus in having ovaries removed.  I feel no difference for their loss.  In fact, I feel like a new woman without them.  New and improved.  No menopausal symptoms at all.

[Ginnyii]

I hope you are recovering well. No surgery is easy. I have a friend who had her ovaries removed and she experienced hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, but she hadn't hit menopause yet, so I imagine that is different.

Thanks again, I was hoping there was a hormone test or something to confirm.

[MarieMichele]

I should add....I had both ovaries removed last month and in my follow-up appointment was told NO MORE birth control usage, so my case is different than yours.  Of course, they told me prior to surgery that my pregnancy chances were zero.  Yet, they still had me take a pregnancy urine test prior to surgery (go figure).  Precaution to the ridiculous on the hospital's part?  Most likely.

I still agree with your idea to speak with your gyno.

[MarieMichele]

I think mostly because it's all too harsh on our bodies at our age.  Vaginal dryness and thinning, etc.  Natural, ie, no contraception, is easier on the body.  Not to mention that it's a waste of effort and money to use products that are no longer needed.  Sure it's hard to get out of the contraception mindset, but it's time to take advantage of all we went through in the menopause years.....no more need for birth control.  If you are finished with menopause, as I suspect your are, you are no longer ovulating.  The gyno is your best source for that confirmation.

[Ginnyii]

Did your doctor say Why you shouldn't? I have been using contraceptive film, those new disolving sheets. I wonder if I've done myself damage?

[Ginnyii]

Thanks, I'm going to see my gyno just to be sure, but that's what i hoped. I can't get carry a child, but can concieve, which would be a tragedy.

[MarieMichele]

Doctors will say menopause is over once you don't have a period for 12 months, so yes, you should be able to stop birth control.  I have not had a period for 3 years and my doctor pretty much told me DO NOT use birth control of any sort.